Volvo presented a prototype electric car ready in September 2009. Volvo C30 BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), which is now exhibited at the Salon of 2010 North American International Auto in Detroit he took a new step in the development process. It is equipped with an interior that is both complete and full instrumentation, and battery conditioning improved.

"The first prototype has allowed us to identify the main technological challenges, such as packaging of the battery and safety issues. We solved these problems without compromising the Volvo C30 is cool and fun to drive personality. I am very pleased with the outcome. Electricity Volvo C30 BEV in Detroit is a much more complete product, "explains Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.

The next step in 2010 is a series of factory-built test cars. Selected users will run the test fleet for a trial period of two years to provide Volvo Cars with valuable experience. Not only technically but also in behavior.

The Swedish Energy Agency supports the project by contributing SEK 150 million towards its funding.

Valuable data on the field

A pure electric car has different characteristics compared to a car with a combustion engine. Now experts from Volvo will be able to study how users respond to these differences.

"Our data on the test fleet will be of great value for Volvo Cars of developing electric cars. It will also provide crucial information for planning of infrastructure and help define the services needed to make rechargeable cars can choose the most attractive in the future, "says Lennart Stegland.

New tools and graphics

E-C30, Volvo C30 looks like a normal, and offers exactly the same safety, comfort and capacity than other models. The most obvious difference inside the car are new tools in front of the driver. Monitor and the graphics are a little 'different from a traditional Volvo. A cool and easy to use screens of the instrument, in principle, only the speed and power consumption. But there are also a number of new symbols, such as the battery meter and other relevant information of this type of vehicle.

Driving experience is also a different class than a conventional car. Electric Volvo C30 BEV does not have the speed and the engine power is delivered smoothly, with full power available immediately. "Sailing along almost without sound is a very special experience. The power is there immediately. We need to spend a lot of time to evaluate the transmission system, which is both comfortable and safe for the driver to manage and use the same capacity battery optimally at different speeds ", says Lennart Stegland.

Adjust C30 - all the fun, but without the emissions

The electric motor uses about one fourth as much energy as the engine of fossil fuels. This great interest in the energy efficiency of electric vehicles increases in fuel prices and requirements for low CO2 emissions of more stringent.

Volvo C30 shown in Detroit powered by a lithium-ion battery, which can be downloaded via a standard household outlet, or along the road special charging stations. Charge the battery fully takes about eight hours. If the car is recharged with renewable electricity, CO2 emissions could be almost zero well-to-wheel perspective.

Top speed with a fully charged battery is about 130 km / h (81 mph). Acceleration from 0 to 60 km / h in under 11 seconds. Range of the car is 150 km (94 miles). This covers the needs of commuting more than 90 percent of all motorists in Europe.

Like all other Volvos

The electric motor is installed under the hood when the batteries (24 kWh) is mounted on the drive shaft tunnel and the space normally occupied by the fuel tank, and from outside the passenger compartment deformation zones.

"Moreover, they are well encapsulated and the structure around them has been strengthened. Electric vehicles are another interesting challenge in our commitment to building the safest cars in the world. An electric-powered Volvo should be as safe as any other new Volvo. These same standards also apply to the ownership, operation and protection in an accident, "says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor, Volvo Cars.

Market Outlook for Electricity

When it comes to the only power cars, there are several factors that determine their use in the future. "Consumers must feel that this type of car is attractive both to drive and own. That's why electric cars should be as comfortable and safe and offer the same kind of results that cars with alternative energy sources, "says Paul Gustavsson, director of the electrification strategy at Volvo Cars, we believe in this technology, and our field test to demonstrate that electric cars have a significant market potential. "However, by offering a car is not attractive enough. It is also necessary in the first place is a system of grants to do. Electric car battery technology is affordable to expensive car buyers, we hope that the authorities and the rest of the Volvo Cars will follow in our "Drive to Zero". - Volvo Cars journey to zero emissions "